What Can I Study

Graduate Programmes

UCD welcomes applications from Kazakh students to our graduate programmes. Find out about our courses, entry criteria to UCD graduate programmes, how to apply, what the visa requirements are, fees and who to contact for further information.

UCD offers unparalleled choice in Graduate studies

University College Dublin has a thriving graduate community of some 6,800 students who work and learn on two world-class campuses, and in numerous associated research and teaching institutions. Through our seven Colleges, UCD offers Ireland’s most diverse range of graduate opportunities. Programmes are led by academic experts and offer students unparalleled choice at all levels. UCD offers Doctoral Programmes, taught and research masters, graduate diploma and certificate programmes and higher diplomas in more than 290 areas of study. Our taught programmes are modularised to facilitate access, continuing professional development and life-long learning.

Practical Information

Holders of Bachelors and Masters Degrees with good grades from competitive and well ranked universities and colleges can be considered for entry to graduate degrees at UCD.

Taught Masters – Academic Entry Requirements

The normal requirement for entry to a taught Master’s Degree programme is a second class honours degree in a relevant subject. However intending applicants should check the individual requirements listed on the School website, since some degrees may require a higher standard for entry.

For applicants who do not have the required minimal entry standard, a year-long qualifying course may be available. In this case relevant work experience may be a requirement.

Please refer to the relevant School or programme for more specific information on entry requirements for your chosen programme.

Research Masters - Academic Entry Requirements

The normal requirement for entry to a Research Master’s Degree programme is a second class honours degree in a relevant subject. However intending applicants should check the individual requirements listed on the School website, since some degrees may require a higher standard for entry. In addition course work and examinations may also be specified by the College at entry; normally these have to be satisfactorily completed in the first year of a Master’s degree programme.

Please refer to the relevant School or programme for more specific information on entry requirements for your chosen programme.

PhD Programmes - Academic Entry Requirements

To be eligible to enter one of UCD’s PhD programmes, a candidate must have reached a high honours standard at the examination for the primary degree. In some cases, a Master’s degree may also be required. In certain cases, a candidate may be able to provide other evidence to the School in order to satisfy the entry requirements of the programme.

It is recommended that applicants interested in research at Masters and PhD level should, in the first place, read the information available on the UCD website.

Secondly, applicants should review the website of the relevant School and College to ensure they are fully informed about the research objectives of the academic course concerned. Prior to submitting an application it is essential that candidates make contact with potential supervisors.

Please refer to the relevant School or programme for more specific information on entry requirements for your chosen programme.

English Language Requirements

Teaching in Irish Universities is normally through the medium of English, therefore all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in English language. Applicants must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English language through a recognised English language test, as outlined below.

Please note:

Your English language certificate must be no more than two years old at the beginning of your degree course.

Other evidence of proficiency in English may be accepted. For further advice please contact UCD Admissions (internationaladmissions@ucd.ie) to check if we will accept it. When enquiring, please inform the Admissions Office of: the name, level and date of the qualification; the country in which it was taken; and the scores you obtained. If possible, please send a scanned copy of the certificate and transcripts (if available) showing as much as possible of the information above.

UCD recognise the appropriate minimum score in the following recognised English Language Examinations:

Please note that applications are accepted from October of the previous year of study and candidates will usually be notified of the status of their application within 4 weeks of application.

Waiting for your results from an IELTS or TOEFL test?

In certain cases a ‘conditional offer’ may be made while you are waiting on your English language results. You would need to submit a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL test report form, detailing that you have met minimum English language competency in order to meet the conditions of the offer letter.

PhD Programmes

If you are interested in a research degree, please visit the UCD Graduate Studies website and follow the application information. Many of UCDs Graduate research programmes can be applied for online. Please visit the UCD Graduate Studies website for more details about this process. All other programmes not listed on this site can be applied for by written application. Please contact the relevant School for more details.

Do I need a Visa?

Yes – Kazakh students require a study visa.

As there is currently no diplomatic mission for Ireland in Kazakhstan the Embassy of Ireland in Russia (Moscow) will provide you with the necessary information on applying for a visa to study in Ireland, should you have further queries in relation to your visa. Please also see Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service for further information.

In some cases proof of English, such as an IELTS or TOEFL certificate is required

Any other documents as requested by INIS or the Irish Embassy through which you are applying

Make sure you keep copies of all documents submitted

Visa applications can take some months to process, so it is advisable to secure a place early at the University, in order to avoid disappointment. Unfortunately the University has no control or influence over visa issues but will advise where possible.

Schengen visa or UK D visa

Please note that a Schengen visa or UK D visa is not valid for travel to Ireland.

Further Queries

As there is currently no diplomatic mission for Kazakhstan in Ireland, please contact the Embassy of Kazakhstan, in the United Kingdom as detailed below for further queries:

UCD is proudly recognised by the Kazakhstan Bolashak Scholarship Scheme with many Bolashak scholars choosing to student at UCD each year. For information on applying to the Bolashak Scholarship scheme, please see the Bolashak website.

UCD International works closely with a number of education representatives (also known as agents or counsellors) around the world, who can help you find out more information about our university, our programmes and entry requirements, as well as provide guidance on the application process. These agents have the most up-to-date information on the admission process, availability of scholarships as well as visa application. Please see list of agents available to you in your country: